Looking to start a new job right away? Consider learning a skilled trade and start a career you love! When you’re out of work, you worry about how you will pay the bills, keep the lights on, put food on the table. Not knowing when you’ll get your next paycheck ...
The filing process for unemployment insurance can be overwhelming. The two-step process of contacting the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) first before visiting Michigan Works leaves some individuals confused and unsure. To help clear up confusion, here are answers to the most common questions about the register for work process. Are ...
Are you using the right words on your resume? Writing a resume can be challenging. It’s hard to sum up years of accomplishments with a few words. Are the words you choose the best words to describe your skills and expertise? Choosing the right words to describe your work experience ...
Resumes are the first look employers have at a job candidate. The information on your resume, and how it looks- resume formatting, is very important in making a great first impression. Focus on keeping your resume content easy to read and uncluttered. Work on using strong action verbs for descriptions, ...
Asking for help is hard when you’re used to taking care of yourself. Imagine showing up to your job and learning that your employer had closed overnight. You are left with no income, which means facing foreclosure on your home. Where do you turn to ensure you can care for ...
The hottest job openings in your inbox every week! Are you unemployed? Looking for a new career? Stuck in a dead-end job? Check out the Weekly Hot Jobs! The weekly newsletter is your guide to current job openings in West Michigan. What are Weekly Hot Jobs? Hot Jobs are job ...
Employees are a business’s most valuable asset. Employers spend a lot of time and money to recruit qualified talent. According to a study by Glassdoor, the average U.S. business spends around $4,000 to hire a new employee, taking up to 52 days to fill a position and 8 to 26 ...
As the region’s workforce development agency, West Michigan Works! is dedicated to creating a diverse and qualified workforce. We do this by providing services that help companies recruit and retain talent and help job seekers get the skills and knowledge needed for today’s jobs. Addressing West Michigan's Talent Needs We ...
The Going PRO Talent Fund awards grants to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. The competitive application process opens September 12, 2019. These are five things you must know before starting your FY2020 application: Employers in West Michigan were awarded over $10 million ...
Working with a career coach is about self-learning West Michigan Works! (WMW!) offers a variety of employment and training services designed to empower job seekers with the tools, resources and confidence needed to find a job. Working with a WMW! career coach is one of the best ways to prepare ...
Have you ever had an extended leave from the workforce—maybe to raise children, care for a loved one or even care for yourself? A gap in your resume can make it challenging to get your foot in the door with a new employer. It can be even more challenging when ...
Industry Talent Councils: Collaboration + Innovation = Solutions In a state that boasted an estimated employment growth of over 55,000 jobs last year, combined with a low unemployment rate, what can employers do to attract talent? In this region, West Michigan Works! is addressing the employers’ workforce challenges by convening ...
The enormous white and glass building is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood with tree-lined streets and quaint houses. The front office space is fresh and bright, just like the manufacturing facility. Dicastal North America opened five years ago in Greenville. As the #1 wheel manufacturer in the United States, ...
Firstronic, an electronic manufacturer based in Grand Rapids, assembles printed circuit boards for the medical, industrial, automotive and LED industries. The company has seen steady growth over the past seven years, increasing revenue from $7 million to $70 million and growing from less than 50 employees to nearly 200. To ...
A new program will provide job seekers in the Montcalm and Ionia county areas with the necessary education and technical training for a career as a corrections officer. Adults who may not have a high school diploma or equivalent are welcome to enroll. The program is a partnership between West ...
The job search process can be long and stressful. Doing it on your own can feel isolating. At West Michigan Works! service centers you can not only find answers to questions and get connected to local resources, you can get some encouragement when things get tough. Don’t wait until your ...
Maybe you’ve heard of Michigan Works! because a friend went there or you’ve driven past the building. You might have gone to a service center as part of your unemployment insurance claim. Whether you’ve been there once or a dozen times, here are some things you might not know about ...
Health care is one of the fastest growing industries in Michigan. Health care support occupations, such as medical assistants, top the list of fastest-growing occupational groups through 2022 – over twice the rate for total jobs overall. More than 450 open medical assistant positions will need to be filled in ...
According to the Michigan Department of Labor Market Information, an estimated 300 nursing assistant jobs are posted each year. Certified nursing assistants (CNA) are essential to patient care. The job is a sustainable lifelong career yet also a stepping stone to other health care jobs. A new opportunity With a ...
Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. US Census Taker at US Census Bureau Hiring event: Monday, June 24, 9am-1pm at 301 W Main St, Ionia ...
This is the fifth of a five part series. West Michigan Works! now offers workshops designed to help you bring important employability skills to your job search or current workplace—skills that West Michigan employers have identified as the ones they look for in an ideal candidate or employee. WorkReady workshops ...
This is the fourth of a five part series. West Michigan Works! now offers workshops designed to help you bring important employability skills to your job search or current workplace—skills that West Michigan employers have identified as the ones they look for in an ideal candidate or employee. WorkReady workshops ...
This is the third of a five part series. West Michigan Works! now offers workshops designed to help you bring important employability skills to your job search or current workplace—skills that West Michigan employers have identified as the ones they look for in an ideal candidate or employee. WorkReady workshops ...
Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. US Census Taker at US Census Bureau Hiring event: Monday, June 3, 10am-2pm at 136 E State St, Hastings Hiring ...
This is the second of a five part series. West Michigan Works! now offers workshops designed to help you bring important employability skills to your job search or current workplace—skills that West Michigan employers have identified as the ones they look for in an ideal candidate or employee. WorkReady workshops ...
Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. US Census Taker at US Census Bureau Hiring events: Tuesday, May 28, 3-5pm at 3255 122nd Ave, Allegan Wednesday, ...
This is the first of a five part series. West Michigan Works is offering workshops designed to help you bring important employable skills to your job search or current workplace — skills West Michigan employers have identified as the ones they look for in an ideal candidate or employee. WorkReady ...
Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. Substitute Teacher at EDUStaff Hiring event: Tuesday, May 7 from 10am-2pm at 3255 122nd Ave, Allegan. Hiring Event DetailsWhat ...
Brenner Excavating works on projects with the Michigan Department of Transportation to create roads and paths in West Michigan. At Brenner, everyone is treated like family. Kyle Brenner is the contract and safety manager; his father, Kevin, started the company forty-five years ago. “We’re a great size where you don’t ...
It’s spring and that means employers are starting to post summer employment opportunities. Now is the time for young adults to prepare for summer employment. Summer work experience provides an excellent opportunity for teens to earn money, gain valuable experience and build confidence. Teen workforce participation According to the U.S. ...
No matter how you say “welcome,” if you are a new American, West Michigan Works! can provide opportunities to find a satisfying career in the United States. Refugee and immigrant navigators can provide specialized assistance to help you start your new life. Here are a few ways that we can ...
Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. Entry Level Marketing at Renewal by Andersen Hiring event: Thursday, April 25 from 10am-12:30pm at 121 Franklin St SE, ...
Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. Direct Support Professional at Turning Leaf Residential Rehabilitation Services Hiring event: Wednesday, April 17 from 10am-2pm at 3255 122nd ...
Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. Customer Service Representative at Speedway Hiring event: Monday, April 8 from 1-4pm at 215 Straight Ave NW, Grand Rapids. ...
U.S. veterans return from duty with knowledge, skills and abilities that employers are looking for in their workforce. Here are some transferrable skills that veterans bring to civilian jobs: TEAMWORK: Most military activities are performed with the help or coordination of others. Veterans have learned to collaborate with others to ...
Rachel Murphy was bullied in high school and dropped out. With no work history, she lacked the motivation and self-esteem to pursue her education/career goals. But with the support of the Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) program, Rachel is on the path to reach the goals she set for herself. A ...
Need to file for unemployment? Looking for a new career? Interested in job-training opportunities? West Michigan Works! can support you throughout the process of searching for, applying for and getting a job. Ready to visit? Here are some recommendations to make the most of your trip! Bring personal identification. Bring ...
Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. Home Health Aide at Alliance Home Health Care Services Hiring event: Tuesday, April 2 from 10am-2pm at 3255 122nd ...
Hannah Wyman joined our Job’s for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) chapter in December 2017 and already has seen success. She’s her way to accomplishing her goal of earning a GED within six months. Hannah has overcome a lot since entering the program. As a result, her confidence has soared and her enthusiasm ...
The West Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board was presented with the 2019 Trailblazer Award in a ceremony in Washington D.C. on Monday, March 25, 2019. The award, which is an initiative of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), recognizes innovation and leadership in developing and delivering workforce solutions in ...
Gina Mancha was displaced from a long career in automotive manufacturing and needed to find a new career. As a dislocated worker, Gina was eligible for services through Michigan Works!. With guidance from a career coach, she completed a career portfolio—a collection of documents that highlights experience, skills and accomplishments—and ...
Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. On-Call Security Officer at DK Security Hiring event: Wednesday, March 27 from 9:30am-1pm at 3255 122nd Ave, Allegan. Hiring ...
There are nearly 43,000 Spanish speakers living in Kent County according to the 2013-2017 American Community Survey. To better serve all of the area’s residents, we recently launched a Spanish language website at es.westmiworks.org. Spanish speakers can learn—in their native language—how to begin filing for unemployment and registering for work, ...
Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. Uniformed Security Officers at Allied Universal Hiring event: Monday, March 18 from 10am-2pm at 121 Franklin St Se, Grand ...
Each year during Women in Construction Week, local chapters of the NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) hold events honoring the role of women in the industry. Chapter #194 in Grand Rapids serves the West Michigan region and hosted the Women in Construction Luncheon on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. ...
Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. Direct Support Professional at Turning Leaf Behavioral Health Services Hiring event: Wednesday, March 13 from 10am-2pm at 3255 122nd ...
WORKSmart is a quarterly email newsletter with workforce development news and resources, events, services and more of what’s happening at West Michigan Works! Did you miss the last newsletter? Sign up so you don't miss the next one! $9.5 Million in Training Dollars Coming to West MichiganThis year employers in the ...
FACT: In 2016 women made up only 9.1% of the construction workforce in the U.S. FACT: Construction jobs are expected to grow between 11% and 32% over the next five years in West Michigan. FACT: The gender pay gap is much narrower in construction. In the U.S. women in all ...
February is Career and Technical Education Month, a national campaign to increase awareness and celebrate the value of programs that prepare students for the world of work. This is the sixth in a series of stories focusing on CTE in West Michigan. Why Career & Technical Education (CTE)? A CTE ...
We recently asked Beth, one of our talent development instructors, for some insider information on our free workshops. Beth has been teaching workshops for seven years and one of her favorite workshops to teach is Cover Letter Writing. This is what she told us about the workshop: What is Cover ...
February is Career and Technical Education Month, a national campaign to increase awareness and celebrate the value of programs that prepare students for the world of work. This is the fifth in a series of stories focusing on CTE in West Michigan. Nearly 2,000 Kent County high school juniors and ...
February is Career and Technical Education Month, a national campaign to increase awareness and celebrate the value of programs that prepare students for the world of work. This is the fourth in a series of stories focusing on CTE in West Michigan. A Local CTE Success According to a national ...
February is Career and Technical Education Month, a national campaign to increase awareness and celebrate the value of programs that prepare students for the world of work. This is the third in a series of stories focusing on CTE in West Michigan. Allegan County According to the U.S. Department of ...
February is Career and Technical Education Month, a national campaign to increase awareness and celebrate the value of programs that prepare students for the world of work. This is the second of a series of stories focusing on CTE in West Michigan. Last year, almost 13,500 high school students in West ...
Did you know West Michigan Works! regularly hosts employer of the day events where job seekers can meet local employers face-to-face and learn about job opportunities at their company? We recently chatted with Tory, a business solutions representative at West Michigan Works!, to find out what job seekers can expect ...
This is the first in a series on career and technical education. Future posts will highlight CTE programs across West Michigan and how they’re helping students prepare for college and career. February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, a national campaign to increase awareness and celebrate the value of ...
Most interviews end with this question: What questions do you have for us? Your interview isn’t over yet! Show curiosity and interest in the company during this part of the interview. Impress the employer with great questions- not ones you already know the answer to, such as position details or ...
The average job search process takes over six weeks and can be longer depending on the industry and level of the position. If you’re unemployed, you need to make job search your full-time job to get the fastest results. West Michigan Works! provides free services to help you at every ...
Recently, LinkedIn analyzed hundreds of thousands of job postings to decide which skills companies need most in 2019. How does that list compare to what West Michigan employers need? We asked a couple of them their thoughts. The 5 most in-demand soft skills in 2019 soft skill: personal attributes, personality ...
The New Year is a great time to reset goals and create healthy habits. Have you made any resolutions yet? Here’s a list of popular goals and how they can help your job search: Exercise more Exercise releases endorphins which make you feel happier. Exercise will improve your sleep, reduce ...
Meet Karla and Bob. They both came to a West Michigan Works! service center after losing their jobs. They both started their job search with fear they wouldn’t get rehired because they’re older workers. After help from their career coaches, they both found jobs similar to their previous ones and ...
Are you unemployed? Do you want to break into a new field? Where do you start your job search? A successful job search starts with a strategy; a plan with defined tasks that will help you achieve your goal. Your first step: Take time to look at what motivates and ...
In 2018 West Michigan Works! (WMW) helped 44,890 job seekers, served 3,193 employers and filled 10,463 jobs. This work isn’t done in isolation; it’s accomplished through partnerships with employers, training providers, educators and community organizations. Each December, we look back over the year and recognizes a few of its key ...
There are many moving parts to a job search: research, networking, writing, applying, following up. The list goes on and on. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here are five easy, yet important tasks that are easily forgotten: Consider job search your job. Set a daily schedule. Wake up at the ...
It’s no secret the health care industry is growing quickly; there are more open positions than people to fill them. This is great news if you’re looking to jump into a career in health care. Some jobs in the industry require a lot of training: physician, nurse and surgeon. But, ...
Back L to R: Riley Frens, Nick Borgman, Sam Sandee, Gordy Bacheller. Front L to R: Laurie Trestrail, Kelle Bergers, Andrea Gafford On Monday, November 12, West Michigan Works! recognized seven area service workers with 2018 Beverly A. Drake Essential Service Awards for their integrity, commitment, and passion in their ...
Davidson Plyforms is the largest curved plywood manufacturer in North America. They make wood furniture pieces for customers like Haworth, Steelcase and Herman Miller. Their products are used daily around the world in offices, hospitals, schools and homes. There is no typical day at Davidson Plyforms because their jobs are ...
Muskegon Recovery Center is part of the Cherry Health system, which offers health services to individuals who have little or no access to health care. The Recovery Center provides medication assisted treatment, as well as group therapy and support services, for individuals addicted to opiates. MRC currently has a long ...
To increase Michigan’s talent in Professional Trades and apprenticeships, the state’s Talent Investment Agency gathered a group of thought leaders for a conversation moderated by MLive at The Grand Rapids Press, including our CEO, Jacob Maas. The forum is part of Experience Sooner, a public awareness effort focused on elevating ...
Do you want to earn some extra cash for the holidays? Are you a college student looking for job over break? . Would you like to get your foot in the door with a new employer? Consider a seasonal job! Employers are hiring record numbers of seasonal ...
Manufacturers throughout West Michigan are gearing up for open houses and student tours that will showcase their facilities and career options. The tours are part of Manufacturing Week 2018, which runs from October 1-5, 2018. More than 100 manufacturers are expected to host more than 1,000 students during this year’s ...
Meet Nate: Nate had no work experience and a disability that made getting a job difficult. Through the Youth Employment Services program, Nate got an apprenticeship with a local electrical company after graduating from high school, attended community college and is on his way to a career in electrical engineering. ...
Since 2013 they have applied for and received millions of Going Pro Talent Fund dollars. The Going Pro Talent Fund (previously Skilled Trades Training Fund) provides competitive awards for short-term training that addresses documented skill deficits. Employers play an integral role in the Talent Fund program; they work with their ...
Were you a member of the US Armed Forces? If so, you and your spouse may qualify for priority of service and other individualized employment services through West Michigan Works! Veterans possess many of the soft skills that employers are seeking. Effective communication, teamwork, dependability, responsibility, multitasking and the ability ...
You don’t always remember what they say, but you remember how they make you feel. The people we encounter throughout our day have the ability to improve our lives one interaction at a time. In their various roles in service industry jobs Jen, Dave and Chris interact with many people ...
We recently sat down with Linden, a talent development instructor at West Michigan Works!, to talk about workshops for job seekers. Linden has been teaching workshops for five years and his favorite workshop to teach is Job Search Techniques. Here’s what we learned about what makes this workshop his favorite. ...
Apprenticeships have long played a major role in training America’s skilled workers, combining classroom learning, on-the-job training and wages that increase as skills are learned. Apprentices not only get paid while learning the skills for a high-demand job, they earn a nationally recognized industry certification. With all these benefits, it’s ...
Collaboration aligns labor supply with employer demand Much of the work being done to address talent demand issues is happening through industry sector collaboration, or industry councils. Councils bring together employers, workforce agencies and other partners such as training institutions and economic development agencies to create regional, sector-specific workforce strategies. ...
L to R: Lelah Christiansen, Shanitra Reed, Samantha Gonzales, Melonie Rodriguez, Gina Mancha Five women put on red caps and gowns, sharing smiles and stories about the past 18 weeks they experienced together. They are the first students to complete and graduate the Sterile Processing Registered Apprenticeship program: Lelah Christiansen, ...
The Michigan Works! service center in Hastings added General Educational Development (GED) testing center to its list of services. The site will offer monthly testing dates for Barry County residents who are looking to earn the equivalent of a high school diploma and improve their employment prospects. Passing a GED ...
Your first visit to a Michigan Works! service center might have been to register for work. Now that you’re registered for work and receiving unemployment benefits, it’s time to jump start your job search. We can help! What else does West Michigan Works! do? Job search: West Michigan employers are ...
Celena Mancina, Grand Circus and Brandon Brown, Meridan West Michigan’s IT industry is one of the fastest growing in the nation. With a growth rate +6.5% over the national average, employers are concerned about finding enough talent to fill their job openings. On Thursday, June 21, West Michigan Tech Talent ...
IT Apprenticeship is a win-win for local employer and employee Last year, Community West Credit Union realized they needed to add a Help Desk Specialist to their IT Team. At the same time, current marketing employee, Sandy, began studying computer science to transition into the IT field. Through grant funding ...
It’s really easy to get discouraged or depressed during your job search. Here are five ways to keep your job search upbeat and successful. Connect with past co-workers. Let them know you are on the hunt. You’ll be surprised how many are willing to help. Volunteer. Use your free time ...
There are two steps to apply for unemployment insurance: 1) file a claim for unemployment and 2) register to work. Here’s an overview of how to file a claim with the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). If you have specific questions, please contact the Unemployment Insurance Problem Resolution Office at 866-500-0017 ...
D’Angelo Green will graduate from Muskegon Heights High School Academy with a very bright future. But the outlook hasn’t always been so positive. A bleak future At the start of his senior year, D’Angelo lacked the essentials needed for graduation and success beyond high school: credits, motivation, maturity and basic ...
There are two steps to filing for unemployment insurance. Your first step is to file a claim for unemployment insurance. Your second step is to register for work with a Michigan Works! agency. What you’ll need to register for work A photo ID Social security card Resume How to register ...
Non-Traditional Ways to Develop Talent Pipelines & Diversify Your Workforce It seems these days everyone is talking about how unemployment rates across the country are at a historical low. While this factor may indicate a healthy economy, what does it mean for companies who need qualified workers? Employers may need ...
Have you seen our monthly series on Facebook, Ask a Career Coach? We're traveling to our service centers to sit down with a career coach LIVE to give you a chance to ask job search-related questions. This month we visited the Holland Service Center. In this video, Mark talks about: ...
by Jane Kreha, Director of Marketing Muskegon CNA graduates West Michigan Works! and its program partner, Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI), graduated two classes of Certified Nurse Aids (CNAs) this May. In ceremonies in Muskegon and Grand Rapids, 13 individuals were pinned and are now ready to begin their ...
Going PRO apprenticeship readiness participants with their new employers Program matches young adults with manufacturing employers Wednesday, May 30 was “signing day” for six Allegan residents eager to begin careers in manufacturing. The individuals, a mix of recent high school graduates and young adults seeking a career pathway, are participants ...
Are you a young adult in West Michigan? Are you working hard but feel like it's not getting you anywhere? We want to hear from you! Take our short survey and be entered to win one of two Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones (worth $300!). Take the Survey
Are you ready to get the skills to succeed in one of the fastest growing industries in our state? West Michigan construction companies need qualified talent, and that need is only expected to grow. It is estimated that the construction industry will need 9,000 new employees each year in Michigan. ...
The West Michigan Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship Program (MARAP) combines classroom learning, simulation learning and work experience with a participating healthcare provider. As a student in this one-year program, you will: graduate with a Medical Assistant Certificate of Completion, a certificate of completion of apprenticeship from the US Department of ...
Kimberly Stein, HR Manager Recco Filters makes wire mesh fuel, hydraulic and pneumatic filters for the aerospace, fluid power and other industries. They've received multiple customer awards for quality. Recco is currently hiring for several positions, so we chatted with their HR manager, Kimberly Stein, about these opportunities. What makes ...
Haworth, furniture manufacturer headquartered in Holland, Michigan, will be at Allegan and Ottawa Service Centers this week because they're hiring! We sat down with one of their recruiters, Valerie Reimus to hear more about the company and open positions. Thanks for joining us today! Can you introduce yourself? I am Valerie ...
Build a Skilled Workforce With Training Funds Low unemployment levels mean today’s job-seeker pool is at historically low levels. Yet, employers still have jobs they need to fill. West Michigan Works! can connect employers to a variety of services to address their talent needs, including access to workforce training funds. ...
On April 25, more than 9,500 students from 85 middle and high schools throughout Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon and Ottawa counties learned about future career opportunities at MiCareerQuest 2018. Student attendees participated in interactive exhibits and conversations with 117 area employers. "Most often career fairs don't include civil ...
Anna Trujillo was referred to West Michigan Works! after returning to Michigan from California in August 2017. Anna was worried about finding employment; she didn’t have a credential, interview clothing, transportation funds or a Michigan driver's license and registration. She needed a way to support herself and her three children. ...
Employers offer short phone interviews now more than ever before. These interviews help hiring managers decide which candidates to invite to a longer, in-person interview. More than half of what a person says is communicated through body language and non-verbal cues. During a phone interview, the hiring manager can only ...